Supermarket salads rival Big Macs for fat

Consumer watchdog organisation Which? has warned that pre-packed salads are not always as healthy as they may appear.

Researchers found in some cases, supermarket items are higher in calories and fat than a Big Mac and fries from McDonald’s.

Which? magazine’s researchers analysed 20 salads from major outlets and found many contained a high proportion of an individual’s recommended daily intake of fat while others had misleading labels.

Smedleys Atlantic Prawn Marie Rose Salad which is sold at Morrisons, contained 855 calories and 66.3g of fat which is a significant part of a woman's recommended daily energy intake of 2000 calories and 70g fat.

Meanwhile, Sainsbury's Tomato & Basil Chicken specified it had no mayonnaise according to Which? but the ingredients list revealed it contained egg yolk, oil and white wine vinegar - the same ingredients as the dressing.

Martyn Hocking, Which? magazine's editor, said: "This latest research backs up what we've been saying for ages - a clear, consistent labelling scheme is important to help people spot how much fat, sugar and salt is in the food they're buying."

Marks and Spencer said its has open and clear labelling on its products while Smedleys Salads said it manufactured a range of premium, healthier, low fat and low calorie options.

Sainsbury's say its salads to cater for a broad spectrum of customers, who might be looking to cut down or seeking something “more indulgent.”